Spraying device for attachment to tractors



Sept. 28, 1954 FIG. 1

H. A. WATERS EI'AL SPRAYING DEVICE 'FOR ATTACHMENT TO TRACTORS F iled Feb. 26. 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 28, 1954 H. A. WATERS ETAL 2,690,355

SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT To TRACTORS Filed Feb. 26, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR5. HAROLD A.WATER5 GLENN A.TANNER HAROLD D. NORTH, JR.

Sept. 28, 1954 WATERS L 2,690,355

SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO TRACTORS Filed Feb. 26, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS. HAROLD A. WATERS GLENN A. TANNER HAROLD D NORTH, JR.

Sept. 28, 1954 H. A, WATERS EI'AL 2,690,3 5

SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT T0 TRACTORS Filed Feb. 26, 1948 1 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. HAROLD A. WATERS GLENN A. TANNER HAROLD D. NORT ,JR. W

p 1954 H. A. WATERS ETAL 2,690,355

SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO TRACTQRS Filed Feb. 26, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS. HAROLD A. WATERS GLENNA. TANNE'R HAROLD 0. NORTH,JR.

p 8, 1 4 H. A. WATERS ETAL 2,690,355

SPRAYING DEVICE FOR AT'iACHMENT T0 TRACTORS Filed Feb. 26, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS. HARDLD A. WATERS, GLENN A TANNER HAROLD D. 0R H,JR.

p 1954 H. A. WATERS ETAL SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT T0 TRACTORS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 26, 1948 FIG. 19

FIG. 21

INVENTORS. HAROLD A. WATERS GLENN A.TANNER HAROLD D. NOR H, JR.

Patented Sept. 28, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFECE SPRAYING DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO TRACTORS corporation of Ohio Application February 26, 1948, Serial No. 11,226

8 Claims.

This invention relates to spraying devices, and particularly to those adapted to be carried by power propelled vehicles, such, for example, as farm tractors.

Its objects include so arranging such a spraying device that it may be simple in construction, easily mounted on the tractor or like vehicle, and efiective in operation.

Specific objects include the spraying over a wide zone or swath with a uniform spray and at varying heights, and the provision of mechanism for adjusting the height from which the spray is delivered across the swath, and which mechanism is controlled for height adjustment from the drivers seat.

Other objects include delivering this spray from specially constructed pipe conveyors and nozzle carriers comprising intermediate and outer sections and which are capable of being folded to a Width suitable for passing through gates, barn doors, and the like. That is, the outer sections may be swung outwardly and may be maintained extended and in alignment during spraying.

Further advantages and novel constructions result from so mounting the outer sections or extensions that they may be hinged to swing upwardly from the horizontal position, as well as being capable of being swung inwardly to a position in front of the tractor.

Other objects include the provision of an efiective and unique connection for the passages or tubes for the spray nozzles, permitting the swinging and for the operation of unique and effective hinge mountings.

In connection with the hinge mountings, another object is to provide spring tension members normally maintaining the extended spraying position of the outer sections, and which are also adapted to hold th extended members in the inwardly folded position.

Other objects include the provision or" simple and effective means for connecting the reservoir or tank supply means for the spraying liquid and a means for forcing the fluid to the spray nozzles at uniform spraying pressures.

Specific objects include the carrying of small tubular members connected with the individual spray nozzles within tubular supporting members which are light in weight and relatively rigid and durable in use.

Various other objects will become apparent from the following description which relates to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments and arrangements included within the scope of our invention, the essential characteristics of which are summarized in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of our spraying device showing it mounted upon a farm tractor, illustrated in outline only.

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the arrangement of the spray nozzle carrying members with additional extensions at either side of the tractor and in an elevated position;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the device shown mounted on the tractor;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan of the carrier frame connected to the tractor;

Fig. 5 is a detail showing the connection of one of the braces with the frame, as indicated by the lines 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detail of one of the diagonal connections between the upright members on the tractor and the adjustable ortion of the spray carrying frame;

Fig. 7 is a sectional detail taken on the line 'I-1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional plan of the lower portion of the carrier frame and nozzle carrying members;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary front elevation showing the hinges for the extensions, and the tubular connections and spring holding means.

Fig. 10 is a plan through the lower portion of the spraying carrier frame and showing the extensions folded inwardly;

Fig. 11 is a detail elevation partly in section showing the mounting of a spray nozzle and its connection with a tubular supply line;

Fig. 12 is a detail in the nature of a section through the carrier tube showing the method of assembling the spray supply tube and nozzle therein;

Fig. 13 is a composite view of the nozzle parts and showing the carrying tube and spray conveyor tube in section;

Fig. 14 is an axial section through the spray nozzle showing the carrier member and conveyor tube in section;

Fig. 15 shows these parts just as the assembly is being completed;

Fig. 16 is a detail elevation partly in section showing the spray tube connection with one of the flexible hose members;

Fig. 17 is a sectional detail taken on a plane indicated by the lines ll--ll of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a detail similar to Fig. 16, showing the connection of the flexibl hose member to the end of the spray fluid carrying tube in one of the extension members;

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view showing the arrangement on the tractor and illustrating the position of pump, pressure control gauge, etc., and connections with a reservoir for the spraying liquid:

Fig. 20 is a view of one of the hinges showing the carrying support;

Fig. 21 is a top plan of the same showing the hinge partly open.

Referring to the drawings by the use of reference numerals. a farm. tractor is conventionally illustrated as having traction wheels T. front dirigible wheels S, the usual engine hood H, steering wheel W, and drivers seat D (see Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 19).

Suitably fixed to the tractor frame we have shown longitudinal angle members I and 2 and transverse outwardly projecting members 3 and 4 at either side of the tractor and serving to support barrel or drum shaped tanks 5 and 6.

The longitudinal members I and Z are shown as extending forwardly from the front of the tractor and as carrying an upight frame support comprising a pair of vertical tubular members Ill and Ii connected at their lower ends by Ts to a cross tube I2, and to a similar cross pipe or tubular member H6 at their upper ends. Bracket supports such as shown at l3 and It on the extensions of the angle members I and 2 embrace the cross tube I2. Upwardly and forwardly extending bracing members !8 and I9 are fixed to the angle members I and Z, and to the cross member I 6.

The frame structure thus far described provides a rigid carrier having two spaced apart vertical tubular members which may serve as guides on which the sprayer frame is adjustably mounted. The sprayer frame is preferably formed of a rectangle of tubes, the lower one of which carries spray nozzles and the hinges for the extensions, as will now be described.

The horizontal upper and lower members of the sprayer carrying frame proper are designated 20 and 2!. These are connected by uprights 22 and 23 paralleling the uprights Ill and I I, and to which they are connected by forwardly and upwardly extending tubular members 25 and 26 (Figs. 3 and 4), and which are each connected with sleeves at each end embracing the vertical tubes as indicated at 2'! and 28, respectively (Fig.3).

The embracing members 2? are adjustable to be slidable on their vertical members while the corresponding forward members as at 28 may be rigidly clamped or fixed on their respective tubes, 22 and 23.

Thus, the rectangular frame comprising the horizontal and vertical tubular elements in front of the corresponding frame fixed to the tractor may be moved up and down while its component parts are held in its desired relative position. Any suitable means for so moving the sprayer carrying frame may be provided. For example, we have shown cables 33 and 3! connected with the frame by suitable pulleys 3d and 35. These cables may lead to a position ahead of the steering wheel W, at which point they may be attached to a clamp or anchor 33.

The spray boom preferably comprises sections extending from the ends of the lower horizontal tubular section 2! of the movable frame and normally in alignment therewith and hinged thereto, as will hereinafter appear.

Attached to the outer ends of the boom members 40 and M are guy wires or cables 35 and d7, shown as passing through pulleys 48 and Q9 and leading to an anchoring point, which may be the member 33, to which the lifting cables are also attached or may be a separate member, if desired. By adjusting these guy wires 45 and 41, the boom members 49 and 1! may be raised or lowered at an angle with the central member 2i as shown in Fig. 2.

It is desirable that the extensions of the boom carrying the tubular elements leading to evenly spaced nozzles shall be light yet rigid, and that the nozzles may be conveniently and rigidly mounted while the passages leading thereto are of non-corrosive materiai and of a size to be economical in first cost and emcient in use.

To this end the members 25 and boom extensions 46 and ll are constructed of light but rigid thin wall tubes within which are carried smaller tubesdfi of brass, copper, or other noncorrosive material.

Referring particularly to Figs. 11 to 18, the method of attaching the nozzles to the tube sections 45 and of forming connections for passages leading thereto, will now be described.

Secured to the tubes i5, as by soldering or brazing, are threaded nipples 59, each having an outwardly projecting flange EI and an internal passage 52.

After securing the nipples to the tubes 45, the communicating passage 55 is drilled through the wall of the inner end of the nipple 59 into the tube '35.

The spacing of the nipples corresponds to the spacing of openings 35 formed at predetermined distances along the tubes 2I, it and ll.

The tube, with the nipples attached, is then thrust longitudinally into the outer tube. For example, the tube 2I (see Fig. 12) and the nipples are brought opposite the openings 5 and are then moved to project the nipples through these openings to the position shown in Fig. 13.

A serrated or looking washer 62 having been placed over each nipple, a nut 63 may be threaded onto the nipple 5i) and tightened against the pipe or tube 2|,distorting the metal engaged between the washer 62 and the flange 5!, and the nut 63, forming a flat portion affording rigidity to the mounting of the nipples and the liquid carrying tube 45.

The spray nozzle parts may include washers 64 and 65 embracing a flange 56 of a screen 61 adapted to project into an opening in the nipple, a nozzle head member Ill having a flange engaged by the flange I2 of a flanged nut 14 which when threaded into position clamps the nozzle head and screen in the position shown in Figs. 14 and 15.

An opening '55 in the nozzle head communicates with the passage 52 and inner side of the screen, and its outlet opening may be so shaped as to produce a fan-like spray of liquid, as indicated at L, Fig. l.

The tubes 45 in each instance terminate short of the ends of their carrying pipes, and at the ends adjacent the hinge mountings, designated generally at Ill! and SI, each tube s5 is provided a fitting closing the ends and connected with a hose member which is preferably looped up over the hinges or other connection between the boom extensions and the frame member H of the boom. Adjacent ends of the tube sections 45 may be similarly connected by hose members 8511., at the sleeve joints 43a and Add, as shown in Fig. 2.

As shown, at the ends of the liquid carrying tube sections 45 is fitted an L 82 with its threaded portion extended through the carrying tube member 2|, and to which may be fitted another L 83 connected with a suitable coupling 84 with the hose section 85.

At the point of feeding into the liquid carrier tubes 45, one of the L's 82 is connected with a T 86 provided with a fitting 8'! for connection with the hose 85 and with a fitting 80 for connection with the main feed hose 90, leading from the source of supply, namely, either of the drums 5.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8 and 9, it will be noted that the central section of the spray boom is connected at each end with the outer boom sections by a hinge support around and over which the hose 85 is looped, and which has sufficient length or play to permit the outwardly extending arms 40 and 4! of the boom to be swung about the hinge to the positions shown in Fig. 10.

The hinge construction supporting the tubes 40 and 4|, and thus carrying the spray conveyor tubes, preferably comprises wide double acting hinge supports, each having a plate portion I secured by a collar IIJI to the ends of the tube 2| and. extending rearwardly, as shown, and shaped to embrace a hinge pintle I02 which is also embraced by a bearing portion at one end of a hinge plate I05. This intermediate plate extends an equal distance to the opposite side of the support IM and embraces a pintle I01, which also provides a bearing for the third hinge member H0, which is shown as having a connection with the outwardly extending section 40 (or 4|) and which aligns with the support IOI, and thus brings the tubular members of the boom into alignment when the hinge is in the closed or folded position shown in Fig. 8.

The hinge construction is shown on enlarged scale in Figs. 20 and 21, and here it will be seen that the connection with the tube 40 (or 4|) may comprise a pair of ears II2 carrying a pivot in the form of a bolt or screw I I5 extending through the ends of a collar II6 secured to the end of the tube 40 and preferably so notched or cut, as indicated at III, as to permit unrestricted upward and downward swinging movement through a considerable arc with relation to the plate IIO.

As stated, the length of the three hinge parts and particularly that of the plate I05, which extends equal distances from the aligned supporting tubes of the boom, is such as to provide a wide face contact when the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 8 and 20.

The vertical distance is also such as to afford a substantial area of support such that a definite rigidity is given to the normal outwardly extending position in alignment transversely of the path of travel.

Any suitable means may hold the hinge in its closed position, but we prefer to use a spring, such as indicated at I20, connected to a hook IIB secured to the outer plate H0 and connected to the frame, as indicated at II9 (Fig. 10).

The length and strength of the spring is such as to normally and firmly draw the hinge to its closed position, and an adjustment such as a turn buckle I2I may be provided for suitably tightening the same.

It will be noted that this spring permits the hinge, however, to open between the inner and intermediate plates I00 and I05 in case the outer end of the boom tube 40 or 4| carried thereby is swung rearwardly. Likewise, it will permit the outer plate I I0 to swing with relation to the plate 6 I05, as indicated in Fig. 21, and will further stretch, or extend, to permit these outer carrier plates IIO to swing to the positions shown in Fig. 10 where the arms or boom extensions are in a folded position, indicated in Fig. 10.

The hose or pipe line 90, as will be seen in Fig. 19, may connect with the supply tank 6 through passages I25 and through a filter I26, pump I21, and gauge I28. The feeder line I25 connected with the supply tank I26 obviously may be connected with the other supply tank 5.

The pump I26 may be connected by means, not shown, with the power mechanism of the tractor, and in practice it is so arranged as to control the pressure of the fluid being forced to the spray nozzles.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that we have provided a structure by which a three section boom, or a boom of five or more sections, may be carried on a vehicle such as a farm tractor, and may afford various advantages of adjustability and effectiveness in use accompanying the aforesaid objects and other advantages.

The carrying structure is light and rigid. The outer sections of the boom may be supported by guy wires and raised or lowered from the drivers seat. The evenly spaced nozzles may be supplied with uniform pressure through small noncorrosive tubular passages. In operation the spray may be forced from the nozzles at reasonable pressures, say, twenty to forty pounds, The nozzles are accessible for convenient cleaning. Because of the small diameter of the feeder pipes leading to the nozzles, the weight of spray fluid in them is held to a minimum. Likewise, loss of spray fluid by dripping after shutting off the supply to the nozzles is small.

A convenient boom length for many uses is attained by making the center section 2I and extension sections 40 and AI of about six foot lengths. Incidentally, these boom units are convenient for shipping and handling.

Experience has shown that with a speed of four miles per hour, we may eiiectively spray an acre with five gallons of spray liquid, with an eighteen foot boom.

The fan-shaped or cone-shaped sprays meet to completely cover the distance below the boom when the nozzles are from one to two feet above the plant growth or weed height. The device may be used over very rough and uneven ground, and by raising or lowering either or both extensions of the boom, the contour of the ground may be closely followed for most effective height of spray. The assembly readily lends itself to changes of the spray pattern.

The nozzles are easily replaceable for differ-- ent pressures and for changing the tips to meet different conditions.

Our device has been found especially useful with 2,4-1) Weed No More weed killers, although, obviously, various other liquid sprays, insecticides, etc., may be sprayed with this machine.

The vertical slidable carrier for the boom proper riding on the fixed verticals I0, taken with the swinging function of the hinges carrying the boom extensions provides great flexibility and adaptability in use,

The folding of the extensions in front of the vehicle brings them approximately within its normal width of wheel spacing, permitting it to be moved about in narrow lanes through ordinary farm gates, through barn and shed doors, along highways, etc. The freedom to swing rearwardly fences, trees, rocks, etc

. ,1 A ands collision a ag to; m gaphone boom sections when striking 'fixed obstacles such as "Having thus described our invention, what we claimin:v H v 1,. Thecombination with a self-propelled vehiclef'of a transverse boom comprising middle and outboard aJlignedhollow unitv sections, a series tions between saidmiddle and outboard sections and having both vertical and horizontal pivots, the outboard sections, beingswingable inwardly about the vertical pivots to coextensive position. 2. A spraying device including a support adapted to be attached to a vehicle, nozzle carry-- ing boom members projecting outwardly laterally from the vehicle, and. hinge connections between each boom memberand the support said hinge connections each comprising a plate fixed. onthe support and a plate attached to the boom and an,intermediate plate vertically pivoted at its opposite ends to the other hinge plates.

3. The structure described in claim 2, in which the outer hinge plate is provided. with a horizontal pivot connected to the adjacent outwardly projecting boom section.

4. A spraying device including a support adapted to be attached to a vehicle, n ozzle carryingboom members projecting outwardly each way from the vehicle, and hinge connections between each boom member and the support, said hinge connections comprising a plate fixed on the support and a plate attached tothe boom and an intermediate plate pivoted at its opposite ends to each of the other hinge plates, and atension spring connecting the boom plate and the support, said spring exerting tension toward the support and normally longitudinally of the boom.

5. In a spraying device of thecharacter described, the combination of a pluralityof boom members normally held in alignment and in horizontal operative position, a frame for attaching the boom members to a tractor including apair of vertical tubes, a second pair of vertical tubes, connecting and supporting arms each .having sleeves embracing a tube at each end of the arm,

the inner end of the arm having means for clamping it in various vertical positions on the embraced tube, the sleeve at the outer end of each arm slidably embracing the outer vertical tube, flexible means for sliding the outer tubes to raise and lower the boom, hinged connections between each outer tube and a boom section,.spray nozzles carried by the boom sections and means for leading spray fluid thereto.

6. A spraying device adapted for attachment to, a Vehicle, comprising a nally aligned outwardly extending boomsections .rearwardly about one vertical, pivot and outwardly and forwardly around the other vertical pivot ina substantially horizontal plane to permitrelative folding in adjacent substantially parallel positions, spring means acting normally to resist swinging about the vertical hinges, each of the boom. sections having tubular liquid-carrying members and spaced apart nozzles communicating therewith, and flexible tubular connections adjacent the hinges permitting said swinging movement.

v 7. In a .weedspraying device, a rigidly mounted and horizontally disposed centersection, a lateral section disposed at an end of said center section, and hinge means connecting said sections together, said means including an intermediate plate, an inner plate and an outer plate hinged at opposite sides and opposite ends to said intermediate plate, said inner plate being secured to said center section, spaced brackets securedtosaid outer plate, and a horizontal hinge pin extending through brackets and through said lateral sec.- tion, whereby said lateral section may be swung ina. vertical plane.

8. The device as defined in claim 7 together with resilient means for urging said plates together.

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